Health professionals welcome Royal Society report

Health professionals, although
welcoming the Royal Society of NZ’s report today on
climate change in New Zealand, are concerned that it does
not address the real health risks to New Zealanders from
climate change and unhealthy responses to it, nor how these
may widen health gaps.

Dr Jones stresses that here in New Zealand,
climate change will cause different impacts for different
population groups – depending on location, age, ethnicity,
health status, and socioeconomic circumstances. Maori,
Pacific, and low-income groups in New Zealand risk greater
adverse health impacts from climate change.

Yet
there are significant untapped opportunities to improve
health, reduce climate emissions and create a fairer
society. “Healthy daily activity can be designed back into
our transport systems - fossil-fuel free. Every New Zealand
home, including rentals, can be healthier and cheaper to
warm and cool, with huge benefits for children’s health.
Encouraging food that’s healthier with more vegetables and
fruit, and less meat and dairy, also reduces climate
risk,” says Dr Jones.

The Council is calling for
New Zealand to start leading real climate action here at
home for better health – and protection of our land,
freshwater, seas, ecosystems and economy.

“Climate
changes have a human face, and create serious risks for New
Zealanders’ health and wellbeing. Protection of our
healthcare systems and most vulnerable households must be
priorities,” says Dr Jones.

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